DPD Poland expects to merge with courier firm Siodemka next year following approval for theacquisition by the country’s competition authority, parent company GeoPost announced today.
As CEP-Research reported earlier this week, the Polish competition and consumer protectionauthority UOKiK has given the green light for DPD Poland’s 100% acquisition of Siodemka fromfinancial investor Abris for an undisclosed sum. The authority said the deal would not impactnegatively on competition and consumer service.
GeoPost, the international express subsidiary of France’s La Poste, said the UOKiK approvalmeant the transaction would be finalised in the next few days. Once the transaction had beenclosed, Siódemka would become a subsidiary of DPD Poland.
“The antitrust authority’s decision enables us to commence activities preparing both companiesfor the legal and operating merger. We expect that the key phase of that process will take place inthe year 2015. A detailed plan is under preparation,” said Rafal Nawloka, CEO DPD Poland.
The combination of DPD Poland and Siodemka will create the country’s second-largest parceloperator with revenues of more than PLN 1 billion (€240 million) and a market share of about 24%.At present, DPD Poland, with more than 5,500 workers, 3,000 vehicles and 50 branches, claims to bethe third largest operator in Poland with a 16% market share while Siodemka, with 1,400 employeesand 2,100 couriers operating a network of 40 branches, is about half its size.
GeoPost CEO Paul-Marie Chavanne commented: “The acquisition of Siódemka is aligned with thelong-term development strategy of GeoPost. I am confident that the new company will increase thevalue for the customers thanks to the expertise and dedication of both teams and Management.”
Christian Emery, GeoPost Vice President and COO of Europe, explained that the merger wouldbroaden DPD Poland’s customer base, especially among SMEs and e-commerce firms. “DPD Poland hasbuilt its strong position owing to the provision of services to corporate and internationalcustomers. As Siódemka is more specialised in service of small and medium enterprises and DPD inservices to corporate ones, the merger will enhance the DPD’s offer for small and medium-sizedenterprises, in particular for e-commerce,” he said.
DPD Poland chief Rafal Nawloka added: “This sales channel is growing very dynamically nowadays.We have witnessed for several years the shift of trade relations towards the internet. With ourmerger with Siódemka, we will mark our presence in that area even more strongly.”
